Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Homeowner's Insurance and Dog Bite Liability

When you're injured in a dog bite attack, one of the first questions an attorney will ask is whether the dog owner has homeowner's or renter's insurance. This is because most standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include personal liability coverage — and that coverage typically extends to dog bite claims.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner's insurers pay approximately $1 billion in dog bite claims annually, with an average claim payout exceeding $50,000.

How Personal Liability Coverage in Homeowner's Insurance Works

Homeowner's insurance policies typically include a personal liability section that covers bodily injury or property damage caused by the policyholder or their family members (including pets) to third parties. This coverage:

• Applies regardless of where the bite occurred (at home or away from the property in many policies)
• Covers the victim's medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other compensable damages
• Is subject to the policy's per-occurrence liability limit (typically $100,000 to $300,000)
• Is available even if the homeowner is renting and carries renter's insurance

Breed Exclusions and Their Impact

Many insurance companies exclude coverage for bites by specific dog breeds they consider high-risk. Commonly excluded breeds include pit bulls (and pit bull mixes), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Chow Chows, and German Shepherds. Some insurers do not publish their excluded breeds, and the list varies by company.

If the dog owner's insurer excludes the breed of dog that bit you, you may still have legal options:

• Suing the dog owner directly for personal assets
• Reviewing whether any excess or umbrella policy covers the claim
• Investigating whether the dog was registered, titled, or insured separately

What to Do When Filing a Dog Bite Insurance Claim

1. Seek medical attention and document all treatment promptly
2. Identify the dog owner and determine if they have homeowner's or renter's insurance
3. Report the bite to local animal control, which creates an official record
4. Photograph your injuries immediately and throughout recovery
5. Consult a personal injury attorney before contacting the dog owner's insurer — the insurer represents the dog owner's interests, not yours

Umbrella Policies

Some dog owners carry personal umbrella liability policies that provide additional coverage beyond the base homeowner's policy. If the claim exceeds the homeowner's liability limits, the umbrella policy may provide additional coverage. An attorney can investigate whether an umbrella policy exists.

When There Is No Insurance

If the dog owner has no homeowner's or renter's insurance, you may need to pursue them directly. Options include suing for a money judgment and attempting to collect through wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on property. An attorney can assess the collectability of such a judgment based on the dog owner's financial circumstances.

If you were injured in a dog attack, check your eligibility for assistance here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the homeowner's insurance cover a bite that occurred away from the owner's home?

Many policies extend coverage for incidents occurring away from the insured premises. However, policy language varies. An attorney can review the specific policy to determine the scope of coverage.

What if the dog was a service dog?

Service dogs are generally held to the same liability standards as other dogs under state law. The handler's insurance may cover the claim, or a third-party employer (if it's an employer's service dog) may have separate liability coverage.